From June 29 to October 7, the QAGOMA in Brisbane will host a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Sculpting the Senses” by world-renowned Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen. It promises to be a sensational blend of fashion, art, design, technology, and science.

What is it about ?

Iris Van Herpen, a name synonymous with innovation and originality in contemporary fashion, created her own fashion line in 2007. Known for her dynamic and unconventional approach to techniques and materials, Van Herpen masterfully combines delicate handcrafting with sophisticated contemporary technologies such as 3D printing. Her unique couture pieces have adorned celebrities including Beyoncé, Tilda Swinton, Lady Gaga, Cate Blanchett and Björk, making her a pioneer in tech-driven fashion design.

Curated by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris, “Sculpting the Senses” makes its debut in Brisbane before travelling to Asia and Europe.

For the first time, over one hundred of Van Herpen’s ensembles will be showcased alongside works from 40 contemporary artists and designers, as well as natural science artifacts such as corals and fossils. This multidisciplinary display highlights Van Herpen’s diverse interests in philosophy, life sciences, and physics.

A section of this exhibition will evoke the atmosphere of Van Herpen’s Amsterdam studio, revealing the creative process behind her intricate designs. An area dedicated to her fashion shows will also be featured. This exhibition will be accompanied by a new soundtrack created by artist Salvador Breed, enhancing the immersive experience.

At 39, Iris Van Herpen is now the youngest designer to have a solo exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in its 140-year history. Her work, often lauded by prestigious publications in Vogue and the New York Times, continues to redefine the boundaries of fashion and art.

Other renowned artists will be presented:

Alongside Van Herpen’s creations, the exhibition will feature contributions from several artists. Among them, the two French film directors Yann Arthus Bertrand and Michael Pitiot, who co-produced seven full-length documentaries. One of their creations, the 2012 “Planet Ocean”, will be featured.

Key information:

Exhibition dates: From June 29 to October 7, 2024

Location: QAGOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia

The Anim’Action Film Festival has been created under the patronage of the French Embassy with UTS and UTS Animation Guild (Sydney), Alliance Française of Brisbane and Griffith Film School (Brisbane), in partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the support of the Institut Français.

The Anim’Action Film Festival celebrates the vivid culture of animation and offers, over three days of screenings and introductions by filmmakers, a showcase of Australian and French works. The Annecy International Film Festival annually rewards the best of the world’s creativity in short and feature films. Anim’action is proud to offer you the best of their selection celebrating the creativity and diversity of animation styles and techniques.

This year’s program will hold something for everyone – be entertained by the vast array of brilliant, unforgettable and diverse films.

From award winners to festival favourites, cult films, classic cinema, entertaining dramas, compelling documentaries and dark comedies – expect to be entertained. A renewed focus on industry and education will promote connection and conversation, through a packed schedule of masterclasses and panel sessions featuring some of our most well-known and successful creatives.

For 11 days in October we celebrate the storytellers and filmmakers that seek to distract us from our daily lives.

The 3 pieces of the Byron Ballet Company’s soiree will transport you on a powerful journey through the incredibly fertile world of musical creation in France from the end of the XIXth century to the beginning of the XXth century.

1 – Matisse – La Danse
Creation based on the famous painting from 1910 and other of his masterpieces.
Music DE FALLA, SAINT-SAËNS, DEBUSSY, LEKEU.
With April Galetti, soprano; Ian Knowles, Cello & Ken Naughton, piano

2 – Carmen – Pas De Deux
Music by Bizet whose opera was created in 1875

3 – Rite of Spring
Created in 1913 on music by Stravinsky